What do you prefer, 9mm or 40 caliber ?

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Brian Williams

August 23, 2006, 01:57 PM

Yes and 45.
Welcome to THR. For this topic the search function is your friend.
Leaving open for a little, just to see how some or the debate falls.

while not your typical 9mm v 45 debate

KEEP it civil and we can find some good info 9mm vs. 40

MCgunner

August 23, 2006, 02:04 PM

I prefer the 9 in a pocket sized gun. I don't own a .40. I do own a pocket size nine and a full size 9, also a full size .45. I don't have anything against the .40, though, a very good caliber and more power than the 9. I just don't see the need in my collection at this time for a .40. I like some of the little compacts in .40 okay, just ain't into the caliber. I don't feel I need one with my 9s and my .45.

If I had a .40, though, I'd probably buy a 9 just for the cheap ammo even though I reload. There are a lot of calibers that are fine self defense calibers I don't own and don't really see the need to own, not just .40. .357 Sig, .38 Super, 9mm Mak, etc, etc. I've just settled on the ol' reliables for my primary auto shooting. There really hasn't been much improvement (maybe the 10 is an exception) in auto pistol rounds since the 9mm and .45 were came on the scene, IMHO. Just seems like if those two rounds can't do it, you need a magnum revolver.

USMC Tanker

August 23, 2006, 02:05 PM

I like the 9mm.

.40 always felt snappy in my hands. 9mm is very manageable, good loads are available, and ammo is always easy to find.

If I can't have a .45, I'll take the 9mm over the .40.

JDGray

August 23, 2006, 02:07 PM

What MCgunner said:)

Oregongundude

August 23, 2006, 02:11 PM

I don't seem to mind the difference in the recoil of the .40 S&W. I own both and carry both from time to time. The .40 S&W seems more like a 9 mm on anabolic Steriods. I think the .40 S&W is more effective in most cases and it's now my primary carrry handgun.

:)

Geno

August 23, 2006, 02:13 PM

Less recoil, more bullets, better price.

Doc2005

Ala Dan

August 23, 2006, 02:33 PM

As has been mentioned:

a) less recoil, b) more accurate (at least for me), c) I handload for the
9m/m - but not the .40 S&W~!:cool: :D

miko

August 23, 2006, 02:46 PM

You did not specify the purpose for that gun.

Most guns that come in 9 also come in .40. You sacrifice a couple of rounds mag capacity - except in municipalities where 10 rounds is the maximum and you sacrifice nothing.

40 is unquestionably a more capable round for self-defence.

For target practice 9mm is better. Paper doesn't care if you shoot it with 40, 9 or 22.

miko

enfield

August 23, 2006, 02:49 PM

.40

I LIKE snappy!

KC&97TA

August 23, 2006, 02:53 PM

I like the 9mm over the .40S&W, the .40 is a good round, good trade off between the 9mm and .45acp... for what it is worth to me. I had a Ruger P944, in .40S&W, I didn't like haveing 3 different types of ammo around. The 9mm is a gun you can recover from recoil quickly, the .40 isn't too bad on that asspect. But the .45acp has a way of convinceing certain persons to move on, you don't really want to look down the wrong end of a .45acp.

I do have to recommend if you're looking at 40's to take a gander over to the 10mm. The Glock 20 is a 10mm and it will reliablely chamber and feed .40, it is recommended that you purchase the Glock 22 barrel and swap it out when fireing .40 rounds, then you get 2 guns in one and I really like the 10mm round. I believe there's 1911's you can do the same with.

WayneConrad

August 23, 2006, 03:04 PM

I recommend renting the same gun in both calibers and giving them a test drive.

The last time sweetie wanted a new pistol, we went to an indoor range that had rentals and tried a few. She liked the Kahr, so tried both the P9 (9mm) and the P40 (same gun, but in 40 S&W).

It was fun trying the same gun in two calibers. That's a true apples vs. apples comparison.

For both of us, the 40 was too snappy when compared to the 9. Neither of us liked how long it took us to recover from the recoil and get the sights back on target. For you, who can say? That's why I recommend renting the guns you want to compare.

Texshooter

August 23, 2006, 10:06 PM

9 is a tiff round.

Plink

August 23, 2006, 10:06 PM

I prefer the 9mm because it'll do pretty much anything the .40 will. It'll do it cheaper and with less recoil too. Cheaper means more practice and more practice means better shot placement. Without proper shot placement, it doesn't matter what cartridge is used, it's not going to be very effective.

Border

August 23, 2006, 10:19 PM

40 for winter carry for the pro reasons stated above. It is extremely unlikely that I will need the more rounds more than the stopping power of the 40.

10-Ring

August 23, 2006, 10:24 PM

I've owned both, but kept my 9's. It's not even the snappiness of the round...I like the snap from 10 mm & 357 sig, I just prefer how much faster I can stay on target using 9mm or my 45's.

hankdatank1362

August 23, 2006, 10:31 PM

.40 all the way... more effective round ( or so I've read, I've never shot anybody), less risk of over-penetration (again, so I've read, I've never shot anybody), and it's the gun all the rappers are rapping about.;)

Now, I'm the only person on this thread professional enough to handle a fo-tay... BOOM!:D

XDn00b101

August 23, 2006, 10:40 PM

I'm a big guy, with big hands. I honestly didn't notice the big recoil the peeps claim about the .40. But that was with any of the main calibers, IE: 9mm, .40, .45, .357 sig. They all seem very managable to me. The 9mm feels like a little pop gun:) When I fired my firends Desert Eagle .44 mag, now that was another story!:neener: :what: :D

Nitrogen

August 23, 2006, 10:46 PM

9mm.
1) 9mm is cheap to practice with
2) 17+1 rounds in my S&W M&P is more than I (hopefully!) would ever need

XDn00b101

August 23, 2006, 10:52 PM

Too bad I can't have more than 10 round mags:(

ugaarguy

August 23, 2006, 11:05 PM

Too bad I can't have more than 10 round mags
Where are you located? Hopefully you never need more than 10 rounds, but standard capacity is nice to have. Maybe look into a job or school in a freer state than where you are now?

XDn00b101

August 23, 2006, 11:08 PM

The Peoples Republic of Kalliifornia:(

ugaarguy

August 23, 2006, 11:58 PM

XD, come to Idaho before the liberals from Kali take over. You'd love it here. I was talking to a couple who are new in town, and a sheriff's deputy in the gunshop yesterday who said "I encourage all new Idaho residents to exercise their 2nd amendment rights. We have a very low crime rate because everyone owns guns so there are no easy victims for the criminals."

On the thread topic I like 9mm for ammo cost, I reload for it like Dan does, and well 9mm and 45 ACP are the calibers I shoot most in autos so I don't need a third primary caliber.

weregunner

August 24, 2006, 12:48 AM

Like the .40.Though like other posters here I use the .45 in winter and the 9mm in summer.Smaller package gunwise in summer.Ve don't have CCW in the Doyle Slick state yet.Carry on own property though.But we have vays of getting it,Yah!? Elections coming up for El Supremo Governor here this year. Auf wieder insane from the sour Kraut. It could have been wurst:scrutiny: :banghead: :o

PO2Hammer

August 24, 2006, 01:50 AM

What do you prefer, 9mm or 40 caliber ?
It's about time someone asked that question!
Seriously though, I honestly like both.
One week I think the extra power of the fourty is just what the Doctor ordered for non-typical scenarios and animal (dogs, rabid vermin etc..),
The next week I'm all about the 9mm and accuracy, top quality ammo, etc....
I finaly realized I had to have both, so I have a heavy .40 P226 ST and a light 9mm P226R Navy.

Simple Man

August 24, 2006, 08:35 AM

I like the 9mm just because it's cheap to shoot and I honestly believe that it will stop a man if the need arises. I know I would run if someone had a 9mm pointed at me:eek:

MCgunner

August 24, 2006, 09:54 AM

40 for winter carry for the pro reasons stated above. It is extremely unlikely that I will need the more rounds more than the stopping power of the 40.

I wouldn't bet my life on that. The 40 has less than 100 ft lbs on the +P 9mm. It's not that much more effective that you can afford to carry it in a single shot derringer or something. Just keep shooting until the fight stops.

browningguy

August 24, 2006, 10:30 AM

.40 for carry, 9mm for plinking. Although I own target and carry pistols in both calibers, I almost always have the .40 High Powers when carrying.

bakert

August 24, 2006, 10:50 AM

I've never been truly convinced the .40 is that much better than todays loadings in 9MM so I'll stay with what I've used for years. My best friend disagrees but he sometims carries a 9MM also.. Either one is capable of doing the job intended.

gandog56

August 24, 2006, 01:28 PM

For economy of practice----9mm
For stopping a home intruder----40 S&W(Assuming I didn't have a .45, which I do!)

fastbolt

August 24, 2006, 01:42 PM

9mm, mostly ...

I presently own an even number of 9mm & .40 S&W defensive pistols, and a slightly greater number of .45 ACP models.

I tend to select both personally owned and available issued pistols more for their overall size, ergonomics, balance and weight than for the caliber.

When I'm carrying on my own time I reach for one of my 9mm pistols more often than not ...

md7

August 24, 2006, 04:30 PM

i prefer the 40 SW.

.357 magnum

August 24, 2006, 05:08 PM

I really Love the .40! Its a better defensive round and if I owned a 9mm I would feel under gunned. The recoil of a .40 is very manageable, esp with practice. I am an ex undercover detective. I really believe in firepower, you do not get a second chance in a defensive situation. IMHO I believe a 9mm is for plinking only. The .40 and .45 are the rounds that stop people in a semi-auto.

Have a good one!

glove

August 24, 2006, 08:08 PM

I like my 40's :)
Dave Z

possum

August 24, 2006, 10:26 PM

I prefer to shoot 9mm at the range which allows me alot more drs down range because the price,, but i use .40 as carry and hd weapons. I love the .40 caliber and it is by far my favorite there is for an auto loader, i just wish it was cheaper, but If i keep reloading the way i have then there won't be much need for me to go with 9mm any more. We'll see i guess!

Mad Magyar

August 25, 2006, 10:44 AM

As stated already, for CCW, living in the hot-arrid desert of the SW, I prefer my 9mm compact in the summer due to facilitating concealment/weight. During the short winter months, wearing a cover garment, I use my .40 & concealment & weight is not a problem....
Unfortunately, my .45's are used only on the range & probably will go on the market real soon...:(

1911WB

August 25, 2006, 10:58 AM

In a defense pistol I prefer .45 or 10mm. However, I will settle for a .40 over the 9mm. Now that I've gotten into Glocks, a great feature is that their .40s are easily converted to 9mm with just a barrel and mag swap. So you can practice with cheap 9mm and get serious with the more potent .40 caliber round.

silent knight

August 25, 2006, 12:20 PM

For HD and zombies, i'll stick with a 40. :cool:

kymarkh

August 25, 2006, 01:56 PM

Now that I'm shooting 200-300 rounds a week, the 9mm's go to the range and the .45 stays home most of the time. More bangs for the buck.

I don't care for the .40

satx40

August 25, 2006, 02:40 PM

9 for Steel, .40 for IPSC. 9 for CCW because I can conceal it better. I carry in a small day planner because even the 9 prints on me.
I'm considering getting a Kel Tec P3AT because it is even smaller.
Recoil doesn't bother me. Flip is a different story.

Rinspeed

August 25, 2006, 08:48 PM

I wouldn't bet my life on that. The 40 has less than 100 ft lbs on the +P 9mm. It's not that much more effective that you can afford to carry it in a single shot derringer or something. Just keep shooting until the fight stops.

That pretty much sums up my feelings. They are both handgun rounds and will most likely only stop someone about half the time even with a COM shot. If I didn't reload I would practice a lot more with a 9mm because of the cost.

RustyFN

August 25, 2006, 09:54 PM

I prefer the 9mm because it's not as snappy for me as the 40. The ammo is also quite a bit cheaper which lets me shoot more.
Rusty

Longbow

August 26, 2006, 12:36 AM

.40 cal for carry, 9mm for range trips. I have a Glock 23 with a 9mm conversion barrel.

Alan Fud

August 26, 2006, 01:03 AM

9mm for compacts and sub-compacts

.40S&W for compacts and mid-size

.45ACP for mid-size and full-size

TOADMAN

August 26, 2006, 09:22 AM

9mm..147 grain DT

shamus

August 26, 2006, 05:00 PM

I prefer the 9mm.

cheaper ammo, more accurate, and does everything that a .40 can do.

it's not what you shoot, it's how you shoot it!

Surefire

August 26, 2006, 05:09 PM

Both are great choices.

I like the 9mm better than the .40 since it is cheaper.

My philosophy is to go with .45 ACP for a full sized semi-automatic pistol, and 9mm with subcompacts and compacts.

The .40 is a great compromise defense round, but for my needs I like the extremes.

pablo45

August 26, 2006, 06:40 PM

I prefer the 9mm because it has been around for a longer time, it is a military round and it is more readily available. The .40 is a great round with great ballistic's but is not as popular as the 9 and the .45.

agtman

August 26, 2006, 09:46 PM

How 'bout the 10mm AUTO?

You can do 200gns @ 1200+fps. Or, 165gns @ 1400+fps.

And that's just the tip of the iceberg, bubby. :what:

Why settle for less? :scrutiny: Hmmm?

:cool:

Blacklabman

August 26, 2006, 10:23 PM

For gun games(USPSA/IPSC) when the Power Factor is not critical, I will use a 9mm in the form of G17's.
When it is a factor, the .40S&W is great round.
For Self Defense and CCW, I prefer the .40S&W in the form of the G23.
Practice ammo price is within $1.50 of 9mm.
Quality JHP ammo for the .40S&W, is within the same range.
The small price difference, is not a concern
My .40S&W pistols are just as accurate as my 9mm's.
Recoil from a .40 pistol, is not any worse than a 9mm. In other words, recoil is nill.

I never have, nor will I likely ever care for the 9mm as a SD round, nor have I ever cared for the .45ACP. For me the .40S&W wins on all fronts. It's all Different Strokes.
Wife carries a G26 with 124gr +P Speer Dold Dot's.

agtman,
G20 on order. It should be in on Tuesday. Hardly a pistol for CCW, but one that should prove fun to shoot.
For me, the verdict is out on the 10mm, but I was/am wanting something different to try. We shall see, if it lives up to all the hype.

lamazza

August 26, 2006, 10:49 PM

I always buy a gun because of the ammo :) .
I like 9mm its affordable and plenty powerful and you will aways be able to find 9mm nato rounds in peace and wartime.

Harley Quinn

August 27, 2006, 11:22 AM

I like to practice with the 9mm and "carry the 40, or not". I believe if you are going to shoot a lot, buy a 9mm and shoot the thing until you get very good. Ammo is less and the recoil is not that much different.

The Glock 17 and the 22 are mine and, I use them. I bought a 17 slide to go with my 17L, that is a good combination. I also have a 6" barrel to shoot in my 22 when I want extra. (extra, can mean accuracy or hitting power).

If you reload and want to dial it in for the "extra" it is there. But not a biggie as a general rule.

The 124 nato is good for the 9mm, the 165 is a good one for the 40, IMHO.

HQ:)

Checkman

August 27, 2006, 01:08 PM

Prefer the 9mm.

bpisler

August 27, 2006, 01:11 PM

I prefer the 9 for many of the reasons stated
in the previous posts but it wouldn't bug me
to carry a 40 or 45.

agtman

August 27, 2006, 04:07 PM

"Hardly a pistol for CCW, but one that should prove fun to shoot."

Blacklabman:

Your 10mm G20 will be a blast to shoot. :) But don't discount its use for CCW. While the G20/G21 are admittedly large-framed guns, they can be concealed with the right holster and clothes combo.

You might want to check GT's 10Ring or 10mmTalk.com, as the subject of G20 and related concealed-carry issues has been dicussed at length before. Many are happy with some form of IWB holster during warmer weather, like a SideArmor.

:cool:

The Lone Haranguer

August 27, 2006, 11:14 PM

I strongly prefer the 9mm in subcompact guns like the mini-Glocks and the Kahr PM series due to lighter recoil. I do have a .40-caliber mini-Glock (27), but I got this because it was a smoking deal and they didn't have a 26 , not because of the cartridge. In larger service-sized guns the .40 is just fine. However, I still prefer the 9mm due to lower cost, which equates to more shooting time.

denfoote

August 28, 2006, 03:53 AM

I'm a 9mm kind of guy.
Judging from the number of platforms I have for launching the cartridge!!
I have three 45's, two 40's, and one 7.62X25. The rest are nines of some stripe or another!! In fact, I have all three of the major 9mm flavors: 9X19, 9X18, and 9X17!! The only ones I don't have are the exotics like the 9X23!!! Even my wheelguns are nines, well sort of: .38spl/.357mag!! :evil:

10-Ring

August 28, 2006, 11:25 PM

I have owned several 40 cal pistols in the past and was never really able to warm up to them...I prefer the 45 acp and the 9mm :D
So, I prefer the 9mm because I can shoot it faster, keep my rounds on target and the ammo is cheap enough to keep me practicing on a regular basis.

03Shadowbob

August 29, 2006, 10:08 AM

I really like my 9mm because of the feel, weight and confidence in it. I don't have a 40 but would love to buy one. As far as HD, I rely on the .45 and 12gauge but wouldn't hesitate to use the 9mm. I have personally seen more than one person not make it out alive when shot with a 9mm but then again I have also seen someone get shot 12 or 13 times with a 9mm and he was still fighting all the way to the hospital...granted he was a crackhead and all lit up on the stuff.

knoxx45

August 29, 2006, 10:22 AM

I just dont like the short snapy recoil of the 40. Besides, if I was going to loose the mag acpasity, I'm just going to grab my 45.

cj2340

August 29, 2006, 01:41 PM

I have heard people who I believe are "experts" say that pretty much any load in .40 S&W is a good load, but you have to search a lot to find a good load in 9mm because many 9mm loads are just underpowered.

bpisler

August 29, 2006, 03:44 PM

There are plenty of effective 9mm loads to pick
from,if a person can't find one he's not looking
very hard.BTW it's not hard to find crappy
loads in any caliber including 40S&W.

So, as a newbie of sorts about to buy one of these, was leaning toward the 9mm for cost of ammo to practice more, so far shot them well, possibility have to hand it to the wife and let her practice and use if the SHTF, since i'm also getting a SG for the house, and may buy a second HG at some point, let me ask you guys something...

If you had a 9 MM, was faced w/ imminent danger, let's say someone rushing you in your house w/ a weapon and you had clear line to fire, how would that play out, how many rounds would you estimate you might burst before assessing the situation? (let's assume you're using the 'best' available round for SD in the 9, probably a hollow point of your choice, etc.)

Now, for those that prefer another round .40 S&W, .45acp, whatever, same scenario, what is the perceived distance in stopping power?

I'm gonna take a class and all that, esp for ccw, maybe they'll address the particulars of deadly force to this level of detail but maybe not, so thought I'd ask since that seems to be a point of controversy here on that subject

Regards,

Karz

Stretchman

February 3, 2007, 10:56 PM

I prefer the 9mm over the .40 for a couple of reasons. Firstly, the average defensive shooting is going to require a more manageable weapon, and I feel that the 9 is just that. Disliked the .40 when I fired it. Also, the .40 has a tendency to beat up the frame of any handgun, something the 9mm doesn't do. It's also easy enough to duplicate the similar characteristics of the .357 out of a 9mm, while the .40 uses the same format as the 10mm lite.

If I were a cop on patrol, I would probably want the .40 instead, but the dynamics of the confrontation are different. The major difference is the fact that Police aren't going to let someone they're shooting at escape. I would love for someone I had to shoot disengage, and consider it a moral victory. So a criminal is more apt to stop the fight sooner if he realizes an opportunity to flee. Plus, Police are issued firearms for the most part, and ammo, which of course is more expensive.

Plus, 9mms are fast. They fly downrange, which is a consideration ( believe it or not ) in the dynamics of a real world confrontation. May facilitate finding cover in a situation where you aren't cornered, or can E&E. ( Escape and Evade )

Choices. There are lots of them. Lastly, the 9mm is an acceptable duty carry weapon for security personnel, and I qualified with it when I had my Statewide Firearms license. So, not only am I familiar with it, but I can demonstrate that I have been professionally trained in it's usage. May be a big help in the event that I ever have to stand tall before the man.

And I just prefer the feel of it. I think it gives me a better chance of survival. Maybe because it gives the other guy one too. I don't know. Shoot to stop. Disengage and de-escalate. Because you can.

I myself prefer the .40 S&W over the 9mm. My chosen carry guns (when I move to a free state) only lose 1 round capacity when choosing a .40 over 9mm. I feel the ballistics are better than the 9mm. I am a fan of bigger bullets and I like a lot of them. To me the .40 was the perfect middleground between 9mm and .45 ACP.

gunmn74

February 4, 2007, 12:49 AM

I have a Firestar M-40 and it shoots as good as my Kimber Custom 45.
I want as much punch for the size as I can get. If the little gun did'nt
weigh 30 oz. then a 9mm might be the way to go. I now pocket carry
a .38 J-frame (15 oz.) now that is "snappy".:cool:

Todesengel

February 4, 2007, 10:18 AM

.40 and .45 :neener:

universal

February 4, 2007, 10:21 AM

9mm.

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